Macon County's composite score of 72.6 places it in the 73rd percentile nationally, substantially ahead of the national median of 50.0. The county demonstrates balanced strengths across affordability, taxation, and economic stability indicators.
2 / 5
Among Alabama's top-performing counties
Macon County scores 72.6, ranking above Alabama's state average of 70.8 and placing it solidly in the upper third of Alabama counties. The county's performance reflects investment in quality of life and community stability.
3 / 5
Affordability and economic resilience
Macon County excels with a cost score of 86.4 and risk score of 76.2, indicating both low housing costs and strong economic stability for residents. Median rent of $709/month and median home value of $95,700 provide accessible pathways to housing security.
4 / 5
Income and employment limitations
The county's income score of 13.4 reflects median household income of just $45,951, significantly below state and national averages. Job prospects and wage growth remain constrained, requiring residents to seek employment in neighboring regions or accept lower earning potential.
5 / 5
Suited for stable, cost-conscious households
Macon County appeals to families prioritizing economic stability and housing affordability over high wages, particularly those with remote work or retirement income. The county offers a predictable, low-cost lifestyle for residents willing to trade income growth for financial security and stability.
Macon County's composite score of 72.6 places it in the 73rd percentile nationally, substantially ahead of the national median of 50.0. The county demonstrates balanced strengths across affordability, taxation, and economic stability indicators.
Among Alabama's top-performing counties
Macon County scores 72.6, ranking above Alabama's state average of 70.8 and placing it solidly in the upper third of Alabama counties. The county's performance reflects investment in quality of life and community stability.
Affordability and economic resilience
Macon County excels with a cost score of 86.4 and risk score of 76.2, indicating both low housing costs and strong economic stability for residents. Median rent of $709/month and median home value of $95,700 provide accessible pathways to housing security.
Income and employment limitations
The county's income score of 13.4 reflects median household income of just $45,951, significantly below state and national averages. Job prospects and wage growth remain constrained, requiring residents to seek employment in neighboring regions or accept lower earning potential.
Suited for stable, cost-conscious households
Macon County appeals to families prioritizing economic stability and housing affordability over high wages, particularly those with remote work or retirement income. The county offers a predictable, low-cost lifestyle for residents willing to trade income growth for financial security and stability.
Score breakdown
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🏛88.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
Macon County's effective tax rate of 0.489% exceeds the national median of 0.339%, but low median home values of $95,700 keep actual tax bills at only $468 annually. That's less than 17% of the national median property tax, reflecting Alabama's broader affordability advantage.
Above average rate for Alabama
At 0.489%, Macon County ranks among Alabama's higher-taxing counties, exceeding the state average of 0.339% by 0.15 percentage points. Only counties like Lee and Limestone's peers exceed this rate meaningfully.
Macon taxes higher than nearby counties
Macon County's 0.489% effective rate is notably higher than Marengo County (0.384%) and Lowndes County (0.408%), despite similar home values. This higher rate adds roughly $50–$100 annually to a typical homeowner's tax burden compared to neighbors.
Your median annual tax bill
Macon County's median home value of $95,700 at a 0.489% rate yields approximately $468 in annual property taxes. Homeowners with mortgages should anticipate roughly $78 more in escrow payments, bringing the total to about $546.
Challenge assessments in higher-rate areas
In higher-taxing Macon County, overassessment has an amplified impact—even small assessment errors compound across a higher rate. Request a reassessment if you believe your home's assessed value outpaces comparable sales in your neighborhood.
Macon County's 18.5% rent-to-income ratio sits just above the national average, while median household income of $45,951 trails the U.S. median significantly. Renters here spend $709 monthly on housing, a manageable amount that still consumes a meaningful share of paychecks.
Near-average affordability statewide
Macon County's rent-to-income ratio of 18.5% closely mirrors Alabama's state average of 18.0%, placing it solidly in the middle of the affordability spectrum. At $709 monthly rent, the county undercuts the state median of $799.
Competitive rents, modest incomes
Macon County's $709 rent is lower than Lee and Madison counties but slightly higher than Marion and Marengo, while income levels remain below regional peers. For renters, Macon offers reasonable housing costs relative to the surrounding area.
Homeowning slightly cheaper than renting
Monthly rent averages $709 while homeowner costs run $613 on a $45,951 median income, making home purchase appealing if financing is available. Either way, housing consumes roughly 15-18% of household earnings, leaving modest room for other expenses.
Macon County balances cost and value
If you're seeking lower rent without rock-bottom wages, Macon County delivers reasonable middle ground—housing costs are manageable and below state average. Prospective buyers should explore ownership options here, where monthly payments dip below rental costs.
Macon County's median household income of $45,951 falls 39% short of the national median of $74,755, placing it among the lower-income counties nationwide. This gap reflects structural economic challenges and limited access to higher-wage employment sectors.
Below Alabama's Average Income
At $45,951, Macon County's median household income trails Alabama's state average of $54,196 by $8,245—a 15% deficit. This positions Macon County among the state's lower-earning regions, though not at the absolute bottom of the economic spectrum.
Macon Outpaces Rural Peer Counties
Macon County's $45,951 income exceeds Lowndes County ($35,160) by 31% but lags behind Marion County ($50,714) and other regional neighbors. This mixed ranking reflects Macon's position as a mid-tier county in a generally economically challenged region of central Alabama.
Rent Manageable, Homeownership Challenging
Macon County's rent-to-income ratio of 18.5% exceeds the healthy 15% benchmark, indicating moderate housing cost pressure. The median home value of $95,700 is affordable in absolute terms, but the low median income means many households struggle to save enough for a down payment.
Start Small, Build Steadily
Macon County households should explore employer retirement plans, credit unions, and low-cost investment vehicles designed for modest incomes. Even beginning with automatic transfers of $25–$50 monthly to a dedicated savings account establishes wealth-building habits that compound over time.
Macon County's life expectancy of 71.4 years falls nearly 5 years short of the U.S. average of 76.4 years. At 28.4%, the share of residents reporting poor or fair health is significantly higher than the national 21%, suggesting widespread chronic conditions.
Below-average health outcomes statewide
Macon County's 71.4-year life expectancy ranks below Alabama's 72.1 average, though only slightly, placing it in the state's lower-middle tier. The 28.4% poor/fair health rate is notably worse than most Alabama counties, reflecting deeper health challenges.
Macon struggles despite rural companions
Macon County's 71.4 years trails neighboring Lee County's 77.2 years by nearly 6 years, though it edges out Lowndes County at 67.6 years. Macon's standout strength is mental health providers at 479 per 100,000—likely serving the Tuskegee area—but only 32 primary care providers per 100,000 create gaps in routine medical care.
Specialty care available, primary care sparse
Macon's mental health provider density of 479 per 100,000 is exceptional, but this doesn't address its shortage of primary care doctors (32 per 100,000). At 9.6% uninsured, most residents have coverage, yet many must travel significant distances for basic check-ups and preventive screenings.
Insurance unlocks behavioral health access
With robust mental health resources and 9.6% uninsured, Macon residents who lack coverage miss out on both preventive care and the behavioral services the county does offer. Apply for coverage at healthcare.gov to link with these services and local primary care.
Macon County's composite risk score of 23.86 ranks among the lowest in the nation, placing it solidly in the very low risk category. This exceptionally favorable position reflects modest exposure to most major hazard types that threaten other parts of the country.
Alabama's safest county
Macon County ranks as the lowest-risk county in Alabama, with a composite score of 23.86 compared to the state average of 61.54. This 37-point advantage represents the state's best position for disaster preparedness and risk exposure.
Safest in its region by far
Macon County's 23.86 score is dramatically lower than all neighboring counties, including Lowndes (29.07), Marengo (52.16), and Marion (69.15). The county's geographic location provides natural advantages against most major disaster types.
Minimal hazard exposure across the board
Macon County's risk profile is balanced and low across all categories, with hurricane risk (68.88) being the highest concern and wildfire risk (52.83) second. Even these elevated-by-local-standards scores remain below state and national averages.
Standard homeowners insurance provides coverage
Macon County's very low risk profile means standard homeowners insurance typically offers adequate protection for most residents. Review your policy annually to ensure appropriate limits, but catastrophic natural disaster coverage is less critical here than in higher-risk regions.